Fansided

2017 NFL Mock Draft: Jets go quarterback

By Brad Weiss

Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) in game action against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Texas A&M won 45-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) in game action against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Texas A&M won 45-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
17 of 32
Next
Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive lineman Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates with head coach David Shaw (L) after defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels 25-23 at Sun Bowl Stadium. Thomas was named MVP of the game. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive lineman Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates with head coach David Shaw (L) after defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels 25-23 at Sun Bowl Stadium. Thomas was named MVP of the game. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports /
17

Solomon Thomas

DL, Stanford

For the Washington Redskins, the task is simple heading into the offseason. They need to accomplish two things, with the first being locking up quarterback Kirk Cousins to a long-term deal. Cousins has proven during his time as the starter that he is a legitimate franchise quarterback, and has already led the organization to a division title. This past season, his play kept the Redskins playoff chances alive until late in the season, and the team appears in good hands with him moving forward.

The second task is going to be upgrading on the offensive and defensive line, where the team was pushed around in 2016. The NFC East is loaded with talented running backs, so improving their defensive front has to be a priority. Solomon Thomas of Stanford is one of the more exciting defensive line prospects in this draft, and he would be a perfect fit for the Redskins.

Washington is loaded with weapons on the offensive side of the ball, and they made a huge signing with cornerback Josh Norman prior to the 2016 NFL season. If they can bolster their defensive line for the 2017 season, they should be able to slow down divisional backs like Ezekiel Elliott, who ran all over the NFL during his rookie season. The Redskins are very close to being a perennial playoff team, but they cannot afford to slip back to mediocrity in 2017.

Home/NFL